Annual Family Picnic 2014 – REVIEW

Kiwis and their assorted teams descended on Serena Gundy Park in north Toronto for our annual Family Picnic recently and a typically excellent time was had by all. The weather leading up to the day wasn’t the best but the gods smiled on Sunday and provided us with a cracker of a late summer’s day from start to finish.

As the attendees were making their arrivals – the Grill Kings, Avi and Subash, were busy firing up the coals anxiously awaiting the main guests, lamb chops and sausages courtesy of Martin McSkimming of Hemingway”s. There was a palpable collective quickening-of-the-pulse when the goods duly arrived and got laid down, the aromatic smoke drew in the waifs and strays who online slots formed an orderly line without incident. No good Kiwi party is complete without a gate crasher or two and we have to say that Gary Wise, from the newly opened Wiseys Pies and Bakehouse, out-performed himself with an array of classic baked goods and a slab of bacon and egg pie that disappeared faster than a crate of grog on shearing day.

This particular Picnic came right at the end of a week of NZ films at TIFF and a long week it must have been judging by a few of the heads that were floating around on the day. Never ones to stand on ceremony, our lot are as comfortable in a pair of gumboots with a cold one, as they are rubbing elbows on the red carpet with a martini. One particular birthday boy (who shall remain nameless) clearly did his country proud.

As with all family day events, it’s all about the kids. An assortment of Kiwiana treats and sweets capped off another successful day out. Thanks to all our committee members and ad-hoc volunteers for pulling everything together in classic Kiwi fashion but most importantly thanks to all the families and other assorted Kiwis who continue to support our endeavours to provide a little taste of home over here in Toronto. It is always a delight to see the many Kiwis, who now call Toronto home, gathered together.